Why does everyone... - Page 2

vessxpress1 · 02/26/2006, 12:44 PM

I guess the more larger the tank the more freedom you have. This is a really interesting post. I think people use a lot of LR for what's been said:

1. Filtration

2. Different levels of coral

3. The fish will fight over territory.

These 3 things would get more compounded as you talk about a smaller and smaller tank. Also allows you to put more highly light dependent corals towards the top. I don't think my tank would be that interesting without a lot of LR and even less fish. But I'm only working with 3' too. I do enjoy new ideas on these large tanks. Inspires me for future projects. Great looking tanks.

rdmpe · 02/26/2006, 01:09 PM

I have a ton of open space right now, but after I have some big sps colonies in there, it will fill in a lot... Have to leave plenty of room for years of coral growth.

Alaskan Reefer · 02/26/2006, 01:38 PM

My fish swim in the open area most of the time the lights are on. In and out of the rock, yes, but mostly in the wide open space -- especially the tang.

I think it can be done minimalist, but you do have to pay attention to filtration since massive quantities of LR can alleviate lots of common problems. I have an oversized (for the tank), highly effective skimmer (Euroreef CS-180), solid flow (32X turnover), and a macro refugium, albeit a small one.

Meanwhile, the tang is swimming circles in the vortex/venturi/whatever where the Tunze streams cross -- near the right front.

taku · 02/26/2006, 02:42 PM

Awesome discussion, thank you everyone!

Another thought -- the filtration benefits of the LR are probably maximized by the water movement in a display tank... the LR doesn't have garbage settling all over it like it could/would in a slower moving refugium or LR holding tank connected to the display.
What are your thoughts on having powerful pumps in a LR holding tank, in order to maximize the filtration capability of rock. Is it a necessary thing if there's minimal LR in the display?

taku · 02/26/2006, 03:17 PM

Thanks to Anemonebuff for posting his tank in another thread! I wanted to link it here for people following this thread to see as well:

clord · 02/26/2006, 03:39 PM

DJ Nutz over at CSI because of you and I think it was Dans pictures I know have a nice saltwater tank.

Alaskan Reefer · 02/26/2006, 08:13 PM

Taku -- I personally think you should maximize flow in the display tank regardless of your setup -- as much as your livestock can be happy with. My display LR is always very clean except for a few spots that I hit with a turkey baster every week or two. With a minimalist type tank, it's probably even more important to have strong flow. A LR holding tank would be a decent idea, but stuffing vacant areas of the sump should do the trick fine.

That Anemonebuff tank is sweet!

gfk · 02/26/2006, 08:19 PM

clord, i think it was my pictures :finger1:

taku · 02/27/2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alaskan Reefer
Taku -- I personally think you should maximize flow in the display tank regardless of your setup -- as much as your livestock can be happy with. My display LR is always very clean except for a few spots that I hit with a turkey baster every week or two. With a minimalist type tank, it's probably even more important to have strong flow. A LR holding tank would be a decent idea, but stuffing vacant areas of the sump should do the trick fine.

That Anemonebuff tank is sweet!

Oh I didn't mean for it to sound like giving up good flow in the display for good flow in a LR holding tank... I still need great flow in the main tank.. I'm just thinking in addition to that, could it help to add strong flow in the LR holding tank as well...

Clord -- that's awesome

02/26/2006, 01:38 PM	#28
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	My fish swim in the open area most of the time the lights are on. In and out of the rock, yes, but mostly in the wide open space -- especially the tang. I think it can be done minimalist, but you do have to pay attention to filtration since massive quantities of LR can alleviate lots of common problems. I have an oversized (for the tank), highly effective skimmer (Euroreef CS-180), solid flow (32X turnover), and a macro refugium, albeit a small one. Meanwhile, the tang is swimming circles in the vortex/venturi/whatever where the Tunze streams cross -- near the right front. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

02/26/2006, 08:13 PM	#32
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	Taku -- I personally think you should maximize flow in the display tank regardless of your setup -- as much as your livestock can be happy with. My display LR is always very clean except for a few spots that I hit with a turkey baster every week or two. With a minimalist type tank, it's probably even more important to have strong flow. A LR holding tank would be a decent idea, but stuffing vacant areas of the sump should do the trick fine. That Anemonebuff tank is sweet! __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

02/26/2006, 12:44 PM	#26
vessxpress1 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NW IL Posts: 1,603	I guess the more larger the tank the more freedom you have. This is a really interesting post. I think people use a lot of LR for what's been said: 1. Filtration 2. Different levels of coral 3. The fish will fight over territory. These 3 things would get more compounded as you talk about a smaller and smaller tank. Also allows you to put more highly light dependent corals towards the top. I don't think my tank would be that interesting without a lot of LR and even less fish. But I'm only working with 3' too. I do enjoy new ideas on these large tanks. Inspires me for future projects. Great looking tanks.

02/26/2006, 01:09 PM	#27
rdmpe Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,737	I have a ton of open space right now, but after I have some big sps colonies in there, it will fill in a lot... Have to leave plenty of room for years of coral growth.

02/26/2006, 02:42 PM	#29
taku Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orlando. FL Posts: 536	Awesome discussion, thank you everyone! Another thought -- the filtration benefits of the LR are probably maximized by the water movement in a display tank... the LR doesn't have garbage settling all over it like it could/would in a slower moving refugium or LR holding tank connected to the display. What are your thoughts on having powerful pumps in a LR holding tank, in order to maximize the filtration capability of rock. Is it a necessary thing if there's minimal LR in the display?

02/26/2006, 03:17 PM	#30
taku Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orlando. FL Posts: 536	Thanks to Anemonebuff for posting his tank in another thread! I wanted to link it here for people following this thread to see as well:

02/26/2006, 03:39 PM	#31
clord Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Langhorne Posts: 904	DJ Nutz over at CSI because of you and I think it was Dans pictures I know have a nice saltwater tank.

02/26/2006, 08:19 PM	#33
gfk Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Benicia, CA Posts: 1,601	clord, i think it was my pictures :finger1: